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Authors: James M Paik, Linda Henry, Zobair M Younossi
Journal: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2023)

We thank Zhou et al1Zhou A. et al.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 22: 907-908Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar for their careful and thoughtful review of our manuscript reporting the global burden of chronic liver disease (CLD).1Zhou A. et al.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 22: 907-908Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar Zhou et al1Zhou A. et al.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 22: 907-908Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar noted the shortcomings of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset to provide accurate regional data about the etiologies of CLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma.2Younossi Z.M. et al.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023; 21: 1978-1991Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (39) Google Scholar In this context, they shared their insights on particular CLD etiologies for hepatocellular carcinoma with the data gathered from national databases for the Australasia region.1Zhou A. et al.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 22: 907-908Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar We wholeheartedly agree with Zhou et al1Zhou A. et al.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 22: 907-908Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar that better data are needed so that health policies and resources are directed to those most in need. The goal of the GBD study, led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is to provide just such data needed to improve global health. The GBD uses estimation techniques rather than simply presenting the data points to provide the best information possible about the burden of disease and their risk factors for countries and regions worldwide. Without these estimates, it would be very difficult to measure disease burden amid the noise of imperfect data. When the quality of the raw data is high, GBD estimates tend to match that quality.3The Global Burden of Disease Database.https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/about-gbd/historyGoogle Scholar Therefore, the GBD study continuously updates their methodology as new data and better scientific understandings become available. However, reports like Zhou et al's highlight the limitations of the GBD data which is important information to have when interpreting GBD results while also providing opportunities for collaboration between GBD and other sources, such as the databases from Australasia region.3The Global Burden of Disease Database.https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/about-gbd/historyGoogle Scholar We appreciate the authors contribution to the better understanding of the global burden of CLD acknowledging that through the provision of accurate and timely data, changes can be made that could lead to global health improvement. Australasian Insights and Perspectives on the Burden of Chronic Liver DiseaseClinical Gastroenterology and HepatologyVol. 22Issue 4PreviewWe read with great interest the recent important update by Younossi et al1 detailing the global burden of chronic liver disease (CLD), highlighting changing patterns and regional variations. Full-Text PDF